The University of Arizona® Wildcats whupped NAU last night, 21-3, in the first game of the Mike Stoops era. It was a fun game in spite of some bad weather just before the game. Check out Hansen's column on why Wildcat fans should be encourage.

Grrr! I am still sick. It's been a week now. It's moved down to my chest but it's still hanging on, making me just miserable enough to be uncomfortable but not so miserable that I cancel all my other plans. Grr.

Here's the text of Fr. Rutler's homily from yesterday at an ecumenical service where President Bush and a bunch of high mucky-mucks were present. Fr. Rutler is an amazing speaker and writer.

I finally found the transcript of President Bush's speech last night. I didn't get to see it but it seems like a pretty good speech.

I was watching a bit of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last night, mostly because the luminous Julie Delpy was on to plug her new movie, Before Sunset. Of course, Ms. Delpy was beautiful and charming. Kimmel had not even seen the movie! What a twit. He was totally unprepared for Delpy and came off like stereotypical Dumb American. *sigh*

Last night we started our 2004-2005 RCIA program at my parish. We have 6 or 7 people in the class this year. We had a good discussion. The opening night is always just introductions and an overview of the process. Next week the meat of the class begins.

If you haven't yet, you should go check out the St. Blog's Parish Hall. It's a pretty cool forum for discussion.

I didn't get to see it, but John McCain's speech at the RNC was very stirring. He'd make a damn fine President himself.

Grrr! I've had some kind of cold/bug since Friday evening. Mostly a sore throat (geez, maybe it's strep?) and a very runny nose. Not enough to quite stay home for, but enough to make one miserable. Bleah!

Yea! My friend Tom has asked me to be godfather for his new arrival, daughter Aubrey! Aubrey was born July 14th. Aubrey is my second goddaughter and 5th (!) godchild. God is good!

Novena for Terri Schiavo. Please read Fr. Johansen's blog and offer up some special prayers in this matter. It's important.

My buddy Eric Ewanco has a nice writeup on the latest St. Blogs issue -- The Scandal of Deal Hudson In Context. Check it out.

When I was at the rink this afternoon, the DJ played John Mayer's song "Your Body Is A Wonderland." It made me think about our society's view of love, sex and the female body, and it occurred to me a better analogy might be "Your body is like Disneyland!" After all, it's expensive and there are long lines at all the good rides.

:-) ;-) Okay, I know it's "scandalous" but I thought it was very funny!

In yet another sad case of the sort that seems to come up every few years, another mother of a child with celiac disease displays her ignorance of Church teaching on the Eucharist -- Wheat sensitivity bars girl from communion.

I particularly love this:

"This is a church rule, not God's will, and it can easily be adjusted to meet the needs of the people, while staying true to the traditions of our faith," Pelly-Waldman wrote in the letter.

So this woman thinks the matter for the Eucharist is arbitrary and not divine will? And why for the love of Pete (as my grandmother would say) can't she just let her little girl receive the Precious Blood?

Catholic World News has a nice explanation and rebuttal.

A side note to the gay marriage debate -- in Massachusetts Judge upholds 1913 marriage law. This means that couples who come to MA hoping to be married can't be if the marriage would not be legal in their home state.

Okay, it looks like deleting some of the comments out of the template has fixed the immediate problem, now it's just that the Blogger navbar is taking over the header.

There's something strange going on with the blog, there is a template problem. I've reported it to Blogger but nothing so far. Hopefully it will be fixed soon.

The Star has an update (not much new, really) as the Diocese nears threshold on bankruptcy.

Carlos Valencia was laid to rest yesterday. It's amazing the impact this 16-year-old had on our city. I attended the rosary Friday night; the cathedral was pretty full, about 800 people. Many, like me, never met Carlos but were inspired by his story, his faith, his courage. Rest in peace, Carlitos.

Lest we fail to notice, Lichtenstein has a new ruler!

It's starting to get real -- the Star reports as Parishes meet with lawyers. This was a meeting held yesterday so that there could be more feedback and discussion on what could/might happen with the parishes and their assets if the Diocese files for bankruptcy. There's also a mostly laudatory editorial about Bishop Kicanas.

Even in California, reason sometimes prevails -- S.F. same-sex marriages voided. It's encouraging that the court realizes how far Newsom overstepped his authority. Unfortunately I don't know if there is a way to punish him for what was, to me, criminal behavior.

Tucson continues to mourn Carlos Valencia. The Star has a nice editorial -- Carlos captured our hearts.

Tucson's favorite teenager has passed away -- Carlos loses leukemia battle. Carlos Valencia touched many lives and engaged an entire community in his struggle. Rest in peace, Carlos.

Happy Blogiversary!

Today is the 2nd anniversary of the founding of this here blog :-). It's been a wild ride (I got laid off 11 days after I started the blog), but all in all having a blog has been a lot of fun -- I recommend it. Check out my first post.

The Diocese of Tucson announced today that two priests who have had "credible" accusations of abuse against them have been laicized by the Vatican. Of course the news coverage says they have been "defrocked". I don't know why they insist on using that term -- I've never seen a priest wear a frock, have you?

This is really good news because it's been a long time coming.

Bad news. My niece Chelsea was in a car accident yesterday. Her car was totalled and she was taken to the hospital. Good news. Chelsea's airbag went off, which helped. She did go into the windshield though (it was a head on collision in the center turning lane) and received numerous cuts on her face (some of them quite deep) and broke her right wrist. It could have been much, much worse though, which is why this is good news.

Peter Kreeft is a national treasure. Read his explanation on why Human Personhood Begins at Conception.

More bishops taking a stand -- the bishops of Atlanta, Charleston and Charlotte have issued a joint statement: Worthy to Receive the Lamb: Catholics in Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communion. In it they say:

Because of the influence that Catholics in public life have on the conduct of our daily lives and on the formation of our nation's future, we declare that Catholics serving in public life espousing positions contrary to the teaching of the Church on the sanctity and inviolability of human life, especially those running for or elected to public office, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in any Catholic church within our jurisdictions: the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the Dioceses of Charleston and Charlotte. Only after reconciliation with the Church has occurred, with the knowledge and consent of the local bishop, and public disavowal of former support for procured abortion, will the individual be permitted to approach the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

God bless 'em! Thanks to Catholic Light for the link.

A very encouraging story -- A New Breed of Priest. This pretty much matches my own experience; most of the priests of the "JP2" generation -- for the most part they are orthodox, joyful, and well-balanced.

Now this is interesting! A Pennsylvania court has ruled that sperm donors can be responsible for child support. While laws differ from state to state, it looks like people are starting to realize that there are real children involved who have a right to know where they came from, and to be supported by both their parents.

Thanks to David Morrison for the link.

A nice discussion on slashdot on automated software quality assurance of large apps. Check it out. This stuff is often discussed (like the weather), but actually doing something about it is harder.

Here's a story you won't see on the news -- GetReligion: "Kill the Nazi!" and other examples of offensive free speech. Many on the Left think that "they" are "tolerant" and the Right is not, but they are no better.

Fr. Rob Johansen gives an excellent analysis of the Church's teaching on persistent vegetative state (PVS) in a response to Commonweal magazine.

The woes continue --Sex-abuse lawsuits vs. diocese rise to 20. I don't see the diocese avoiding bankruptcy now.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Norma Shea, Mark Shea's sister-in-law, who passed away last week.

Cheers for yet another bishop speaking out. Check out this column by Bishop Galeone of St. Augustine, Florida:

“Can an avid proponent of abortion-on-demand be at the same time a Catholic in good standing with the church?” I answer that question by asking another: Can an avowed racist be a member in good standing of the NAACP? For similar reasons, there are some positions so extreme that they would bar one from being considered a good Catholic, not because a specifically Catholic teaching is being denied, but because a basic tenet of the natural law is being trashed. As members of the human family, we must obey the natural law, written on our hearts: “You shall not take an innocent life.”

God bless 'im! Thanks to Fr. Rob Johansen for the link.

Yay! The Star is reporting that In-N-Out Burger will be opening a location in the Tucson area next year. This could be dangerous to my waistline!

Okay, maybe only geeks like me are interested in this stuff. Today's Star has a neat article on wastewater treatment: Going with the flow.

35 years ago today ... "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." It was probably the first "news" event that I can remember well. CNN says 'Giant leap' opens world of possibility.

Over on Slashdot there's a good discussion on a $1,000,000 coding error and its effects. Since I work in the software biz and manage a QA group, such issues are of great interest to me. The Slashdot discussion is perhaps more telling than the news story. Generally when problems like this come up, there's no one person to blame -- so having the development lead, or the QA lead, or whoever "fall on his sword" (as some in the Slashdot discussion suggest) doesn't really accomplish much except make the customer and/or upper management feel better. Usually these things are the result of multiple failures -- process failures and the failures of individuals. Fixing those is difficult but it can be done.

Music for Mass
SSPP Latin Schola 
Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C

Prelude: Tu Es Petrus (Palestrina)
Gathering Song: I Heard the Voice of Jesus (KINGSFOLD)
Penitential Rite: Kyrie (Chant Mass)
Gloria: (Chant Mass)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15 (Dominican tones)
Gospel Acclamation: Chant (Dominican tones)
Preparation of the Gifts: Sicut Cervus (Palestrina)
I Have Longed for Thy Saving Health (Byrd)
Holy,Holy: Sanctus (Chant Mass)
Memorial Acclamation: (Chant Mass)
Great Amen: (Chant Mass)
Our Father: (Traditional Chant)
Lamb of God: Agnus Dei (Chant Mass)
Communion: Ave Verum Corpus (Chant, St. Pius X Hymnal #38)
Meditation: Ave Verum Corpus (Byrd)
Recessional: I Sing the Mighty Power of God (ELLACOMBE)
 

Another Episcopal Spine Alert -- Denver Archbishop says those who Support Abortion "Rights" Cannot be Catholic: "He then became more blunt. 'It's not a religious principle; we're not against abortion for religious reasons. We're against it because it kills babies. No one should tell us to be quiet about that any more than we were quiet about segregation. It's very important that we're active; we encourage our people to vote their conscience. That's not interfering with the government.' "

Thanks to Mark Shea for the link.

I came across an interesting blog today, Deus Volent. Check it out. The author is going to be a freshman at Thomas Aquinas College, one of the best Catholic schools in the country (if not the world).

An interesting article -- The Empy Cradle Will Rock. The author claims that the Democratic Party's support of abortion (and, more importantly, abortions by Democrats) cost the party the 2000 election and will cost more in the future. It's an interesting analysis.

Thanks to Fr. Johansen for the link (he thanks Mark Shea).

Another instance of what Mark Shea calls Episcopal Spine Alert -- New bishop conforms to strict Catholic law. The new bishop of Richmond is cleaning house, God bless him.

Thanks to the lovely Jeanetta for the link.

Today is the 20th anniversary of my mother's death (July 13, 1984). Rest in peace, Mom. I love you & miss you.

There's a big article in today's newspaper on the Diocese of Tucson's potential bankruptcy. The diocese claims that the parishes' assets don't count as diocesan assets, but of course the abuse attorneys think they are. If they are counted as diocesan assets we are all in a world of hurt, as the Church in Tucson may wind up grinding to a halt. It's scary.

This is interesting -- there's an uproar from some lay ministers in the Diocese of Baker, Oregon concerning this document from Bishop Vasa. Not surprisingly the dissenters are mouthing the usual platitudes that it's a "litmus test" and "unpastoral", blah blah blah. It makes perfect sense to me that those who are catechists should accept the Church's teaching! There's an article here on the dissenting reaction.

An interesting discussion on Slashdot -- VAX Users See the Writing on the Wall. It's in reference to this Computerworld article on how VAXen are slowly being phased out. I have been using VAXen since 1982 or so, and still own several of them. The hardware (and OpenVMS, the OS) are terrific. VMS is a very powerful, elegant, well-designed system. It's one of those examples of how to Do Things Right.

On Thursday my coworker Frank Riley set off on his bicycle. Destination: Iowa, and the annual RAGBRAI. Now my company's website is documenting the Life of Riley.

Short stuff..

I paid off my car yesterday. YAY! It's a good feeling. I have lots of other things I'd rather do with the money..

I have to catch up posting music from 6/13, 6/26, and 7/04. I'll back-post it and post a pointer for those interested.

When you thought you'd seen it all -- check out theamazing bar code clock. Something only a geek could love!

A really cool essay by Beverly Taylor on becoming a conductor. Lots of good food for thought there.

Thanks to Catholic Light's Richard Chonak for the link.

I had my follow-up visit with the orthopedist today. He looked at my wrist and had me move it around, etc. He says my prognosis is excellent; I have 90% of my range of motion back already. It's still a little weak, but he says that will pass with time. I need to continue my exercises (up to a 10 lb weight for wrist curls), but he says other than the occasional twinge I should have no long-term problems. I'm really pleased. I will probably continue to wear my wrist guard while skating for a couple of weeks or so until I feel I could do a push-up without it hurting too much.

In this week's Monday Memo, Bishop Kicanas provides an update on possible bankruptcy for the Diocese of Tucson. In it he reminds Catholics that the buck stops at his desk:

Ultimately, it is my responsibility as your bishop to respond to the sin and betrayal of trust that happened here.

Also, five parishes were notified of allegations of sexual misconduct by two priests and a deacon.

This is pretty cool -- Scans uncover secrets of the womb. Just looking at pictures of the fetus yawning made me yawn too! It's great how technology can help people's understanding. Jn 8:32.

So the US has handed Iraq its sovereignty back -- U.S. returns sovereignty to Iraq. Handing it over 2 days early was, IMHO, a pretty smart move -- first of all if the terrorists had special plans for 6/30 it makes them moot, and second it gives more credence to the new government.

A cool article from Nature: Tunes create context like language: Maths shows why tonal music is easy listening. See also the Slashdot discussion.

Ha! The German government is warning Germans about the consequences of a falling birthrate. Of course MSNBC puts it in a context of "have more sex."

Music for Mass
SSPP Combined Choirs
Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul

Gathering Song: For All The Saints (SINE NOMINE)
Penitential Rite: (spoken)
Gloria: Ss. Peter and Paul Gloria (Schiavone)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34 (Dean)
Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia (Walker)
Preparation of the Gifts: Only This I Want (Schutte)
Holy,Holy: Mass of Creation (Haugen)
Memorial Acclamation: Mass of Creation (Haugen)
Great Amen: Mass of Creation (Haugen)
Our Father: Yantis
Lamb of God: Mass of Creation (Haugen)
Communion: On Eagle's Wings (Joncas)
Meditation: Tu Es Petrus (Palestrina)
Recessional: God, We Praise You (NETTLETON)

With summertime here, I've been reading more, and watching more videos. I watched my DVD of It (Stephen King), then of course I had to re-read the book. I'd forgotten what a good (and long!) book it is. There is so much that's not in the movie that is in the book. And of course the book is much, much scarier than the movie. I do have to say that in many ways I liked the young set of actors better than the older ones. My favorite was Emily Perkins, who played the young Beverly Marsh. Wow. If I'd known a girl like that when I was in 5th grade... okay, maybe not. I was pretty clueless about girls until 7th grade or so. But wow. If I'd known a girl like that in 7th grade I'd have been head over heels, no question.

I also re-read the 3rd Harry Potter book (Prisoner of Azkaban) in preparation to go see the movie... one of these days!

A friend lent me the box set of My So-Called Life, which is one of my all-time favorite TV series. I've been making my way through it, and wow! I'd forgotten just how good it was. Not perfect, but darn good. It's not just the luminosity of Claire Danes's performance, it's the amazing quality of the writing. Awesome.

Finally, another friend lent me the Veggie Tales movie, Jonah. I've always loved Veggie Tales ever since my best friend introduced me to the series. The movie was terrific, good fun, very funny, and with a good message too.

End of an era! Today was the last day that the last of Tucson's reversible lanes was in effect. At the peak in the early 80s, Tucson had four streets with reversible lanes, all running east-west: Grant Road, Speedway Boulevard, 5th/6th Street, and Broadway Boulevard. The so-called "suicide lanes" were never popular with businesses, but they did move traffic. The reversible lanes were in effect 7-9 a.m. (running westbound) and 4-6 p.m. (eastbound). I drove the length of the Grant Road suicide lane today at 5:45 p.m. to relish for the last time that giddy, heady feeling of zipping down the center lane up hill and down dale, at 50 mph. I made it from Stone Avenue to Swan Road (about 5 miles) in a bit over 6 minutes. I know many are glad they are gone, but I'll miss it.

The Arizona Daily Star is reporting that the Diocese of Tucson is inching closer to bankruptcy. There's a letter from Bishop Kicanas dated last Wednesday:

JUNE 16, 2004

TO THE CLERGY, RELIGIOUS, AND LAITY OF THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus:

My primary goals over the past year and a half as your bishop have been to restore trust and to heal hurt as our Diocese has continued to experience the tragic consequences of the sexual abuse of children by priests.

Of important concern has been how to respond to needs of victims of abuse, including those who have sought the remedy of civil suits against the Diocese.

You may have become aware this last week that the Diocese went into court to ask for a continuance of one of the multiple suits being litigated against it. The intent in asking for this continuance was so that the Diocese can do the proper consultation necessary to begin what now appears to be the only option for the Diocese, pursuit of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection under Federal law.

Clearly, this is not the preferred option of the Diocese. It has been and continues to be our desire, interest, hope, and preference to mediate these cases.

Currently, however, settlements within the means and resources of the Diocese do not seem possible, and our efforts to mediate the demands have been unsuccessful. As you know, we are a mission diocese with few resources. Previous settlements have severely limited our ability to respond to the present demands.

Our government offers Chapter 11 as a relief for organizations that find themselves with debts beyond their capacity to pay. It is the mechanism our government has established as a way for organizations to continue their primary mission while meeting their obligations such as debt or legal settlements.

Over the past year I have been in consultation with many people, both in and outside the Diocese. I have sought their counsel and advice. Locally, I have talked with our Presbyteral Council, our Diocesan Pastoral Council, our Diocesan Finance Council, and with many of our Catholic laity. They have supported the further consideration of Chapter 11 as a way to best continue the mission of the Diocese while responding to legal demands and the needs of victims.

In considering this difficult option, several factors are being weighed.

First, it is vitally important that the Church be able to continue its ministry.

I cannot allow our parishes or schools to be constrained in their ability to extend their pastoral care and outreach to our communities within the Diocese.

In addition, Chapter 11 allows for a more just response to those who have been harmed than would be possible in the current situation. Clearly it is likely that additional suits could be filed against the Diocese. At the time of the major settlement in 2002, it was hoped that would be the end of claims. In fact, it was only the beginning.

Beyond those who bring legal suits, there are other victims who have needs for counseling and spiritual support that in justice should be addressed. Finally, we cannot forget the important work to prevent the possibility of any future abuse. An effective safe environment program at all our parishes and schools also requires resources.

If the Diocese files for Chapter 11 protection, it would be based on the conviction that this decision is the best way for our Diocese to continue its mission while responding to the needs of victims.

I assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the monies that you have so generously given for the missions and ministries of the Church will be devoted only to those purposes. I do not believe that a declaration of Chapter 11 by the Diocese will lead to any adverse financial impact on our parishes and schools. Likewise, I am confident that because agencies like Catholic Community Services, the Catholic Foundation, Catholic Cemeteries and the Charity and Ministry Fund (Annual Catholic Appeal) are separately incorporated entities their assets are not involved in litigation against the Diocese.

I also assure you that I will continue to do everything in my power within the resources available to meet the counseling needs of those who have been harmed, whether they have sued or presented themselves to us outside the legal system, and to maintain our multi-faceted program to prevent such harm from occurring in the future.

I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please send them to me by e-mail (bishop@diocesetucson.org) or by letter addressed to me at P.O. Box 31, 111 S. Church, Tucson, AZ 85702.

Let us pray together that what is decided will be best for those who have been hurt and for the mission of our Diocese. Be assured that we will continue with the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas

Bishop of Tucson

An article from CNN on the current flap re: "Catholic" pro-abortion politicians- Battling the bishops.

What's interesting to consider is that this whole big stink started, really, because one bishop had the guts to stand up and say "this is wrong." It proves that people are listening, if the teachers will just teach.

*sigh* The Arizona Daily Star is reporting that the Diocese of Tucson is considering bankruptcy. I knew it was bad (the Diocese was in precarious financial shape long before it was hit with the sexual abuse lawsuits. Still, this is not the kind of history the Church in Tucson wants to make.

Arizona is home to the largest nuclear power plant in the US. Thus it's very disturbing that all three units of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station shutdown Monday due to an as-yet undetermined electrical failure elsewhere in the grid.

What I've not found out is how the system was able to compensate for the loss of almost 4 GWh of generating capacity.

Whoo-hoo! The University of Arizona® Wildcat baseball team is heading to the College World Series! This is their first trip since 1986.

Bear Down! Go 'Cats!

The lovely Jeanetta has posted an important prayer request. Please check it out and offer some.

Music for Mass
SSPP Latin Schola
Feast of Corpus Christi, Year C

Prelude: O Esca Viatorum (St. Gregory Hymnal #228a)
Gathering Song: Soul of My Savior (ANIMA CHRISTI)
Penitential Rite: Kyrie (Chant Mass)
Gloria: (Chant Mass)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 110(Dominican tones)
Gospel Acclamation: Chant (Dominican tones)
Preparation of the Gifts: Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart)
Ave Verum Corpus (Byrd)
Holy,Holy: Sanctus (Chant Mass)
Memorial Acclamation: (Chant Mass)
Great Amen: (Chant Mass)
Our Father: (Traditional Chant)
Lamb of God: Agnus Dei (Chant Mass)
Communion: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (PICARDY)
Meditation: Pange Lingua (Pius X Hymnal #48)
Recessional: At the Lamb's High Feast (SALZBURG)

I had a letter to the editor published in today's Arizona Daily Star:

Stem cell editorial is unsupported

In the June 10 editorial, "Honoring Ronald Reagan," the Star gazes into its crystal ball and comments on potential cures for Alzheimer's disease: "Of course, we'll never know. We won't because President Bush decided early in his presidency to limit the availability of stem cell lines for research into diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's."

With all due respect, this is totally unsupported. First, there is no way to know whether these diseases are amenable to stem cell treatment. While many scientists believe this to be true, others do not. For the Star to present the above statement as fact is simply untrue, and deserves a correction.

Second, it oversimplifies the issue. What President Bush rightly restricted was research that uses the bodies of unborn babies as raw material. There are no restrictions on other sources of stem cells that don't require the death of a human being in order to obtain them. Some research indicates these adult stem cells may be as good, or better, than fetal stem cells.

Finally, the editorial board seems to believe that the end can justify the means. Anyone who values human life has to believe that a good end (curing disease) cannot be justified by an evil means (harvesting tissue from aborted babies).

The irony is that President Reagan opposed abortion strongly. I cannot believe he would support the harvesting of fetal tissue, even to save him from his fate. He had more character than that.

Gordon Zaft

Today was the Day of Mourning for President Reagan. Here are President Bush's remarks at the funeral service at the National Cathedral. Rest in peace, Mr. Reagan.

Yea! I got my cast off this morning. After viewing the x-rays, the orthopedist said it's healed very nicely and the prognosis is quite good. After some discussion on therapy, he asked me to get some hand dumbbells and use them to exercise the wrist; I go back in 3 weeks. The wrist feels mostly just sprained now; the range of motion is pretty limited and my grip strength is a bit weak.

After 35 years or so, the Tridentine Latin Mass is once more being said in the Diocese of Phoenix. Here in Tucson it's been available weekly for quite some time.

I'm catching up a bit... some short observations.

Like many people I was saddened to hear of President Reagan's death on Saturday. While I disagreed with many of his domestic policies, certainly in his willingness to confront the Soviet Union he did us all a big favor. Alas, the Clinton administration squandered that "heritage of resolve" in large measure. Personal connection -- when I worked for the Navy I used to be amused at the "chain of command" pictures in the command building, that went all the way from the commander of the Station up to.. President Reagan (and, later, GHW Bush). Also, my choir in California (Ventura County Master Chorale) sang for the second day of the opening celebration for the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. Very cool.

Sunday I went to see "Ella Enchanted." It was a fun movie; rather silly. Since I think Anne Hathaway is one of the most beautiful women on the face of the planet, I really enjoyed the movie.

Not that I'm counting, but I should be getting my cast off in 21 hours or less.

Wow! Mark Shea gives a really nice analysis of Francis Cardinal George's address to the Pope, and responds to Rod Dreher's criticism of the same.

Slashdot has commented on the 25th anniversary of VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program. It's really amazing how far we've come since then. Check out PC World's interview with the authors, or head over to Dan Bricklin's site to download a copy for your own PC.

Francis Cardinal George hits it on the head:

"On the left," he said, "the Church's teachings on sexual morality and the nature of ordained priesthood and of the Church herself are publicly opposed, as are the bishops who preach and defend these teachings. On the right, the Church's teachings might be accepted, but bishops who do not govern exactly and to the last detail in the way expected are publicly opposed."

Thanks to Catholic Light for the link.

Update: Here's the full text.

It's finally hot! After a relatively mild May, the Star reports Tucson hit 100 degrees (F) yesterday. We Tucsonans call this event "the ice breaking on the Santa Cruz" -- the Santa Cruz river "flows" through downtown Tucson. I say "flows" because with all the pumping from wells, the Santa Cruz hasn't flowed year-round for decades; it's only full when it rains, now. This is the latest ice-break since 1998.

Bishop Kicanas is making his ad limina visit to the Vatican. Check out his online journal of the trip!

Oh, and not that I'm counting or anything, but I get my cast off next Tuesday! Yea!

Fr. Rob Johansen gives some wisdom on the Cardinal Law appointment. Thanks to Mark Shea for the link!

Today's paper has some nice words to say about Avril Lavigne's second album. Another article says she's maturing as an artist but isn't convinced she can keep her popularity up. I don't have the new album yet.

Happy Memorial Day

I hope you were able to take a moment to remember, and pray for, those who gave their lives to keep our country free.

Happy Pentecost!

From Catholic Light, a good post explaining the whole deal with denying Communion to politicians and others.

Fr. Bryce from A Saintly Salmagundi gives some pithy advice:

Seven Tithing Do's and Don'ts

• Don’t put your pocket change in the basket - If this is the ultimate insult to a waiter at a restaurant, imagine how it looks to Christ who serves you his Body and Blood at every Mass?
  
• Don’t give only one dollar - It is cute when little children do this, it is not cute when grown adults with full-time jobs do this. Let us assume that you make $25,000 a year – giving just a dollar a week is the equivalent of giving .002% of your income.
  
• Do use envelopes – Not only do envelopes help to remind you of the collection each week, it also helps the church parish keep up with who is attending church on a regular basis.
  
• Do use direct deposit and bank draft – Most banks today have a system where each month they can automatically write a check or draw money from your account and send it directly to the Church. That way there is no forgetting the checkbook or being “hesitant” about giving as much as you know you should each week since it is already done for you.
  
• Do give 10% - This is the percentage most Christians recognize as a fair amount to tithe to the church from our income. Sometimes you may give more, sometimes less, but you should always try to hover around that number.
  
• Do trust more in God – If you are worried about not being able to make ends meet, remember that Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew not to worry about what we are to wear or where we will find food to eat, that if the Father clothes and feeds the birds of the sky, he will do the same for us since we are worth more than any bird.
  
• Do have a deeper conversion – Usually a fair tithe is an outward sign that someone has had a deep conversion and is willing to give himself totally to Christ and to his Church. If you consistently neglect or refuse to tithe, maybe you should re-examine your own spiritual life and commitment to the Lord.
  

For myself, I opened a second checking account that I direct-deposit a percentage of my income to (currently it's only 2.5% :-( of gross) and I use that for all my good works and charitable giving, except for some direct deposit drafts I had set up previously that still come out of my regular account. This way I know that all the money there is not for discretionary spending but just for supporting my parish, diocese, and other good stuff. It works well for me.

Last Saturday UA alum and former NBA standout Steve Kerr gave the commencement address at the UA's graduation ceremony. I love this paragraph:

Many of you may know the story, but Dr. Likins called me back in November and asked if I would give the commencement speech, and despite a few pangs of anxiety, I accepted his offer. But three weeks later, he called back and said, "I'm terribly embarrassed about this, but it seems that the leader of the free world has requested the opportunity to give the address, only at this point, he's not sure if he'll be available. Would you be offended if we put you on hold until we get a definitive answer from him? To which I responded, "Dr. Likins, whatever Lute Olson wants to do is fine with me!"

Dr. Likins is the president of the university, and Lute Olson is UA's Hall of Fame-member basketball coach.

Episcopal Spine Alert! as Mark Shea says. Check out this letter from Bp. Wenski, coadjutor bishop of Orlando:

The Church wants all her members to become holy. To this end, she offers the examples of the saints to encourage and inspire us. For politicians, St. Thomas More stands as a role model. He did not draw any false distinction between his personal morality and his public responsibilities: he was his king’s good servant, but God’s first. Today, some self-identified Catholic politicians prefer to emulate Pontius Pilate’s “personally opposed but unwilling to impose” stance. Perhaps, they are baiting the Church, daring an “official sanction” making them “bad Catholics”, so as to gain favor among up their secularist, “blue state” constituencies. Such a sanction might turn their lack of coherent Catholic convictions into a badge of courage for people who hold such convictions in contempt.

Wrist Update

Back to the orthopedist today. He cut my old cast off (alas, there goes all the lovely artwork from the girls at the rink!), then pulled the pins out, and gave me a new cast (light blue this time). Pulling the pins out was a bit freaky. I was expecting it to be painful, but it didn't hurt a bit, he just pulled them straight out. One is about 2 inches long, the other about 1.75 inches. I asked why it didn't hurt and he said the body just gets used to them being there, kind of like an earring. I guess that makes sense.

Good news for geeks today! First, Slashdot reports that the new Fedora Core 2 Linux distribution has been released. Get in line at your favorite mirror. Also, Slashdot reports that UPN has renewed Star Trek: Enterprise despite its somewhat abysmal ratings. Yea!

Happy Birthday, Holy Father!

Today is Pope John Paul II's 84th birthday! If you wish, you can send birthday greetings from the Vatican website.

Here's a neat interview with one of the Vatican Observatory astronomers, Br. Guy Consolmagno. Check it out. Thanks to Mark Shea for the link.

I went to the orthopedist today and got some good news and some disappointing news. The good news is that we took new x-rays and the bones are healing nicely and are in good position (not perfect, but good). The disappointing news is that they had mis-scheduled my appointment, and it's too early to take the pins out. So I'm going back next Tuesday for that, and then he says it'll be 3 weeks beyond that in the new cast. sigh So if that timing is right I won't be out of a cast until June 8th. On the other hand, I asked if I would need to wear a brace or splint or anything after that and he said no, after I get the cast off I should go ahead and use it normally.

Music for Mass
SSPP Latin Schola
Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Prelude: Salve Regina
Hail, Holy Queen (SALVE REGINA COELITUM)
Gathering Song: Alleluia! Alleluia! (HYMN TO JOY)
Penitential Rite: Kyrie (Chant Mass)
Gloria: (Chant Mass)
Responsorial Psalm: (OCP R&A)
Gospel Acclamation: (OCP R&A)
Preparation of the Gifts: O Sanctissima (St. Gregory Hymnal #206)
Holy,Holy: Sanctus (Chant Mass)
Memorial Acclamation: (Chant Mass)
Great Amen: (Chant Mass)
Our Father: (Traditional Chant)
Lamb of God: Agnus Dei (Chant Mass)
Communion: Where Charity and Love Prevail
Gloria Patri (Palestrina)
Meditation: Alma Redemptoris Mater (Palestrina)
Recessional: Lord of All Hopefulness (SLANE)

As a "team-building exercise", my co-workers and I spent the morning working for Habitat for Humanity Tucson. We painted two houses! It was hard work, especially for me in my gimpy state (I was rather limited in what I could do), but I was really glad we did it. I was really glad to do something "constructive" rather than rocks n' ropes or some such.

Whatever you think of his politics, stories like this really put a lump in my throat. Thanks to Mark Shea for the link.

If you ever wondered what priests do all day... Fr. Jim Tucker shares a day in the life. Check it out, and say a prayer for priests.

I known I've blogged about Evanescence before, although the Google search bar below right isn't turning up anything. I've been listening to their album Fallen quite a lot lately. There's really a lot to like in there, besides "My Immortal" and "Bring Me To Life". Really. Check it out.

I've had a fair amount of time to think about the meaning of suffering, specifically in regards to breaking my wrist two weeks ago. It's really brought home to me how lucky I really am -- how fortunate. After all, if all goes as it should, in a month or so I'll have my cast off and be more or less good as new. There are plenty of folks who are missing a limb and there's no healing for them here on earth. Every time I have to do something with my left hand that's awkward, or forgo doing something that's just too difficult, or have some pain, I really am brought back to the fact that I'm one of the fortunate ones. God bless all those who are not as fortunate.

Welcome to everyone who's checking out my blog after seeing the article in the May Catholic Vision! Thanks for stopping by!